Figure "ikenga"
Nigeria, Igbo
sold
EUR 800
Size
H: 43 cm
H: 16.9 inch
Description
wood, encrusted brown patina, with pipe and two long horns, fragmentary, cracks, missing parts through insect damage, metal socle;
an “ikenga” figure is carved on the occasion of the foundation of a house, because it represents strength and protection. It will be destroyed in case of the owner’s death. The horns are the most important part of the figure, they are related to the god of thunder. “Ikenga” figures are formed variable, they can be carved naturalistic or abstract.